The Archdiocese of Cotabato in southern Philippines has cautioned the faithful about the presence of ‘Catholic’ groups whose teachings and practices deviate from those of the Roman Catholic Church.

In a circular, Archbishop Angelito Lampon advised the faithful to remain vigilant regarding the presence of the Brazilian Catholic Apostolic Church and the Old Roman Catholic Church in certain parishes of the archdiocese.

“We would like to inform you that these groups separated from the see of Rome, and are not in communion with the Roman Catholic Church,” Lampon said.

“The sacraments that they administer are, therefore, dubious and illicit,” he said.

The archbishop said they are issuing the advisory because the presence of the aforementioned groups is causing confusion among the laity.

Similarly, the archbishop said that this confusion has led to ministers of these groups being invited to conduct funeral rites and other liturgical activities.

“Due to confusion made by misleading information and semblance of practices, vestments, and other liturgical activities apparently identical to the Roman Catholic Church, some members of our lay faithful have participated in their services,” he noted.

In August, the Archdiocese of Manila issued a similar warning to the faithful, advising them against engaging with the said organization in their respective parishes.